Ecology, U.S. Coast Guard and contractor preparing response to sunken vessel off shore near Point Roberts

BELLINGHAM – The Washington Department of Ecology, the U.S. Coast Guard and
contractor Ballad Diving & Salvage are preparing for response early Friday,
Sept. 6. The team will respond with oil containment equipment for deployment
once the vessel is located.

The 50-foot fishing vessel sunk approximately 2.5 miles off shore of Point
Roberts in Whatcom County and is submerged under 180 feet of water.

The U.S. Coast Guard performed an over flight approximately 6 p.m. and
observed a one mile long sheen. An assessment by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration predicts that there will be no noticeable impact to
shoreline habitat.

The vessel reported 800 gallons of diesel fuel and approximately 25 gallons
of lube oil on board.